NO20140449A1 - Slag compounds including latex and methods of use - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and compositions relating to cementing operations are provided. Methods and compositions which include a latex strengthening agent to improve the compressive strength of slag compositions.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to cementing operations and more specifically, in certain embodiments, methods and compositions that utilize an agent that increases latex strength to improve the compressive strength of slag compositions.

In cementing operations, such as well construction and remedial cementing, hardenable compounds are often used. As used herein, the term "curable composition" refers to a composition that is hydraulically cured or otherwise develops compressive strength. Hardenable compositions can be used in primary cementing operations whereby pipe strings, such as casing and extension pipes, are cemented in the boreholes. In a typical primary cementing operation, a curable composition may be pumped into an annulus between the walls of the borehole and the outer surface of the pipe string placed therein. The curable mixture can harden in the annular space and thereby form an annular mantle of solidified, substantially impermeable material (eg, a cement mantle) which can support and position the tubing string in the borehole, and which can bond the outer surface of the tubing string to the borehole walls. Among other things, the cement mantle that surrounds the pipe string should help prevent the migration of fluids in the annulus, as well as protect the pipe string against corrosion. Hardenable compositions can also be used in methods for remedial cementing, such as when placing plugs, and in pressure cementing to seal voids in a pipe string, cement jacket, gravel pack, underground formation and the like.

A particular challenge in cementing operations is the development of satisfactory mechanical properties in a curable composition within a reasonable period of time after placement in the underground formation. During the lifetime of a well, the underground cement mantle undergoes many stresses and strains as a result of temperature effects, pressure effects and shock effects. The ability to withstand these stresses and strains is directly related to the mechanical properties of the curable composition after curing. The mechanical properties are often characterized by using parameters such as compressive strength, tensile strength, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, elasticity and the like. These properties can be changed by the inclusion of additives.

One type of curable composition that has been used for this purpose includes slag cement, which is typically a mixture of Portland cement and slag. As Portland cement develops compressive strength much faster than slag, the amount of slag is typically limited to no more than 40% by weight of the slag cement. Disadvantages of slag cement include the relatively high cost associated with Portland cement compared to slag, which is a waste material. Disadvantages of using higher concentrations of slag may include the inability of the curable composition to develop sufficient compressive strength within a reasonable time and ensure the long-term structural integrity of the cement.

There is such a need for hardenable compositions which include slag with improved mechanical properties, and which develop sufficient compressive strength for use in cementing operations.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

One embodiment describes a cementing method, the method comprising: providing a slag composition comprising a hydraulic cement consisting mainly of slag, a hydroxyl source, a latex strength enhancer, and water; feeding the slag composition into an underground formation; and allowing the slag composition to harden.

Another embodiment describes a cementing method, wherein the method comprises: preparing a base fluid comprising an agent that increases latex strength, an antifoam agent and a dispersant; preparing a dry mixture comprising slag and a hydroxyl source; combining the base fluid and the dry mixture to form a slag composition; introducing the slag composition into an underground formation and allowing the slag composition to harden.

Yet another embodiment describes a slag composition, wherein the slag composition comprises: a hydraulic cement consisting mainly of slag; a hydroxyl source; an agent that increases latex strength; and water.

The features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Although many changes can be made by those skilled in the art, such changes are within the spirit of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention describe slag compositions comprising slag, a hydroxyl source, an agent that increases latex strength, and water. One of the many potential advantages of embodiments of the slag compositions is that the use of the latex strength increasing agent can provide the slag compositions with sufficient compressive strength for use in underground applications despite the increased slag content. By way of example, the compressive strength of the slag compositions containing the latex strength enhancing agent can be increased by at least about 25% in one embodiment, at least about 50% in another embodiment, and at least about 75% in yet another embodiment, compared to the same slag composition that does not contain the agent that increases latex strength. Accordingly, embodiments of the slag compositions can be used in a variety of underground applications where curable compositions can be used, including, but not limited to, primary cementing and remedial cementing.

In some embodiments, the slag compositions may comprise slag. Slag is generally a by-product in the production of various metals from their corresponding ores. As an example, the production of cast iron may produce slag as a granular blast furnace by-product, where the slag generally comprises the oxidized impurities found in iron ore. The slag may be included in embodiments of the slag compositions in an amount suitable for a particular application. In some embodiments, the slag may be present in an amount of about 40 to about 100 wt% cementitious constituents ("bwoc"), for example about 40 wt%, about 50 wt%, about 60 wt%, about 70 % by weight, about 80% by weight, about 90% by weight or about 100% by weight. Cementitious constituents include those constituents or combinations of constituents of the slag compositions which hydraulically harden, or otherwise solidify, to develop compressive strength, including, for example, slag, fly ash, hydraulic cement, and the like. In certain embodiments, the slag may be present in an amount greater than about 40% bwoc, greater than about 50% bwoc, greater than about 60% bwoc, greater than about 70% bwoc, greater than about 80% bwoc, or greater than approximately 90% bwoc. In some embodiments, hydraulic cement included in the slag compositions may consist primarily of the slag.

In some embodiments, the slag compositions may comprise a hydroxyl source. The hydroxyl source is included in the slag compositions to provide hydroxyl groups for activation of the slag to provide a curable composition that will react with the water to form a solidified mass in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Any of a variety of suitable hydroxyl sources capable of generating hydroxyl groups (OH") when dissolved in water can be used. Examples of suitable hydroxyl sources include basic materials such as sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, lime and any which preferably a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the hydroxyl source may be present in the slag compositions in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 25% bwoc. In further embodiments, the hydroxyl source may be included in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 10% bwoc.

In some embodiments, the slag compositions may comprise an agent that increases lasing strength. Surprisingly, inclusion of the latex strength enhancer in embodiments of the slag compositions of the present invention provides improved compressive strength compared to slag compositions that do not contain the latex strength enhancer. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the latex strength enhancing agent may comprise any of a variety of rubber materials commercially available in latex form. Non-limiting examples of suitable rubber materials are available from Halliburton Energy Services, Duncan, Okla., under

1^1TM

the names Latex 2000 cement additive and Latex 3000 cement additive. Suitable rubber materials include natural rubber (eg, cis-1,4-polyisoprene), modified natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and combinations thereof. Synthetic rubber of various types can be used, including ethylene-propylene rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubbers, nitrile rubbers, nitrile-butadiene rubbers, butyl rubber, neoprene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, AMPS-styrene-butadiene rubber, and any combination thereof. As used herein, the term "AMPS" refers to 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid or salts thereof. In certain embodiments, the synthetic rubber may comprise AMPS in an amount ranging from about 5 to about 10% by weight, styrene in an amount ranging from about 30 to about 70% by weight, and butadiene in an amount ranging from from approximately 30 to approximately 70% by weight. Examples of suitable AMPS-styrene-butadiene rubbers are described in more detail in US patent no.

6,488,764 and 6,184,287, the complete disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The person skilled in the art will understand that other types of synthetic rubbers are also covered by the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the latex strength increasing agent comprises a water-in-oil emulsion comprising styrene-butadiene rubber. As will be appreciated, the aqueous phase of the emulsion comprises an aqueous colloidal dispersion of the styrene-butadiene copolymer. Also, in addition to the dispersed styrene-butadiene copolymer, the emulsion may comprise water in the range of about 40 to about 70% by weight of the emulsion and small amounts of an emulsifier, polymerization catalysts, chain modifiers, and the like. As will be appreciated, styrene-butadiene latex is often produced as a terpolymer emulsion which may include a third monomer to help stabilize the emulsion. Nonionic groups exhibiting stearic effects and containing long ethoxylate or hydrocarbon tails may also be present.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the weight ratio between the styrene and the butadiene in the emulsion may range from about 10:90 to about 90:10. In some embodiments, the weight ratio between the styrene and the butadiene in the emulsion may range from about 20:80 to about 80:20 . An example of a suitable styrene-butadiene latex has a weight ratio between styrene and butadiene of approximately 25:75 and comprises water in an amount of approximately 50% by weight of the emulsion. Another example of suitable styrene-butadiene latex has a weight ratio between styrene and butadiene of approximately 30:70.

The agent which increases the latex strength can generally be provided in embodiments of the slag composition in an amount sufficient for the desired application. In some embodiments, the latex strength increasing agent may be included in the slag compositions in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 45% bwoc. In further embodiments, the latex strength increasing agent may be included in the slag compositions in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 20% bwoc. It should be understood that the concentrations of the latex strength enhancing agent are provided based on the amount of aqueous latex that can be used.

In some embodiments, the slag compositions may further comprise hydraulic cement. A variety of hydraulic cements may be used in accordance with the present invention, including, but not limited to, those comprising calcium, aluminum, silicon, oxygen, iron and/or sulfur, which harden and solidify upon reaction with water. Suitable hydraulic cements include, but are not limited to, Portland cements, pozzolanic cements, gypsum cements, high alumina cements, silica cements, and any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the hydraulic cement may comprise a Portland cement. In some embodiments, the Portland cements suitable for use in the present invention are classified as Class A, C, H and G cements according to the American Petroleum Institute, API Specification for Materials and Testing for Well Cements, API Specification 10, fifth edition, July 1, 1990.1 addition, cements suitable for use in the present invention may, in some embodiments, include cements classified as ASTM type I, II, or III.

When present, the hydraulic cement can generally be included in the slag compositions in an amount sufficient to provide the desired compressive strength, density and/or cost. In some embodiments, the hydraulic cement may be present in the slag compositions of the present invention in an amount in the range of 0.1% to about 60% bwoc, for example about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50% or approximately 60%. In some embodiments, the hydraulic cement may be included in an amount not exceeding about 60% bwoc, not exceeding about 50% bwoc, not exceeding about 40% bwoc, not exceeding about 30% bwoc, not exceeding about 20% bwoc, not exceeding about 20% bwoc or does not exceed approximately 10% bwoc.

In some embodiments, the slag compositions may further comprise an antifoam agent. When it is present, the antifoam agent must, among other things, function to prevent foaming during mixing of the slag composition. Since the latex enhancer may include emulsifiers and latex stabilizers which may also act as foaming agents, an unstable foam may form when the slag is mixed with the latex enhancer and water. In general, the antifoam should prevent the formation of the unstable foam. The antifoam may comprise any of a number of different compounds suitable for such tasks, such as polyols, silicon-based antifoams, alkyl polyacrylates, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide compounds, acetylenic diols, and any combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable antifoam agents include those available from Halliburton Energy Services under the names D-AIR 3000™ defoamer,

TTkC TM

D-AIR 4000L foaming agent and D-AIR 5000 foaming agent. The antifoam can generally be provided in embodiments of the slag compositions in an amount sufficient for the desired application. In some embodiments, the antifoam agent may be present in the slag compositions in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 5% bwoc. In further embodiments, the antifoam additive may be included in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 2% bwoc.

In some embodiments, the slag compositions may further comprise a dispersant. When present, the dispersant will act to control the rheology of the slag composition. While a variety of dispersants known to those skilled in the art may be used in accordance with the present invention, examples of suitable dispersants include naphthalenesulfonic acid condensate with formaldehyde; acetone, formaldehyde and sulfite condensate; melamine sulfonate condensed with formaldehyde and any combination thereof. When used, the dispersant must be present in embodiments of the slag compositions according to the present invention in an amount sufficient to prevent gelatinization of the slag composition and/or improve rheological properties. In some embodiments, the dispersant may be present in the slag compositions in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 5% bwoc.

The water used in embodiments of the slag compositions of the present invention may include, for example, fresh water, salt water (e.g. water containing one or more salts dissolved therein), brine (e.g. saturated salt water produced from underground formations), sea water or a any combination thereof. In general, the water may be from any source, provided, for example, that it does not contain an excess of compounds which have an undesirable effect on other constituents of the slag composition. In some embodiments, the water may be included in an amount sufficient to form a pumpable slurry. In some embodiments, the water may be included in the slag compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 40 to about 200 dry weight percent cementitious constituents ("bwoc"). In some embodiments, the water may be included in an amount of about 40% to about 150% bwoc. Other additives suitable for use in underground cementing operations may also be added to embodiments of the slag compositions, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Examples of such additives include, but are not limited to, strength retrogradation additives, cure accelerators, cure retarders, weighting agents, lightweight additives, gas generating additives, mechanical property improving additives, circulation loss materials, filtration control additives, fluid loss control additives, foam additives, thixotropic additives, and any combination thereof. Specific examples of these and other additives include crystalline silica, amorphous silica, fumed silica, salts, fibers, hydratable clay, calcined shale, vitrified shale, microspheres, fly ash, diatomaceous earth, metakaolin, ground perlite, rice husk ash, natural pozzolan, zeolite, cement kiln dust, , resins, any combination thereof, and the like. Those skilled in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, will readily be able to determine the type and amount of additive that will be useful for a particular application and a particular desired result.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the slag compositions should generally have a density suitable for a particular application. By way of example, embodiments of the slag compositions may have a density of about 12 pounds per gallon ("lb/gal") to about 20 lb/gal. In certain embodiments, the slag compositions may have a density of about 14 lb/gal to about 17 lb/gal. In certain embodiments, the slag composition may be a heavyweight composition having a density of at least about 14 lb/gal. Those skilled in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, will recognize the appropriate density for a particular application.

In some embodiments, the slag compositions can be prepared by combining the slag with water. The agent that increases latex strength and other additives can be combined with the water before it is added to the slag. For example, a base fluid can be prepared which comprises the agent that increases the latex strength, the antifoam additive, the dispersant and the water, in which the base fluid is then combined with the slag. In some embodiments, the slag may be dry-blended with other additives, such as the hydroxyl source and/or the hydraulic cement, to form a dry blend, wherein the dry blend may then be combined with the water or base fluid. Other suitable techniques can be used to produce the slag compositions, as will be understood by the person skilled in the art in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the slag compositions can be used in a variety of underground applications, including primary cementing and remedial cementing. Embodiments may include providing a slag composition and allowing the slag composition to harden. Embodiments of the slag compositions may include, for example, slag, a hydroxyl source, a latex strength enhancer, and water. Embodiments of the slag compositions may further include one or more of a hydraulic cement, an antifoam additive, or a dispersant, as well as a variety of other additives suitable for use in underground cementing operations, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

For example, in primary cementing embodiments, a slag composition may be introduced into a subterranean formation between a pipe (eg, pipe string, extension pipe, etc.) and a borehole wall. The slag composition may be allowed to harden to form an annular mantle of solidified cement in the space between the borehole wall and the pipe. Among other things, the mantle formed by the slag composition can form a barrier that prevents the migration of fluids in the borehole. The mantle formed by the slag composition can also, for example, support the pipe in the borehole.

In embodiments of remedial cementing, a slag composition can be used, for example, in pressure cementing operations or in the placement of plugs. As an example, the slag composition can be placed in a borehole to plug a void or a crack in the formation, in a gravel pack, in the pipe, in the cement casing and/or a microannular space between the cement casing and the pipe. In another embodiment, the slag composition may be placed in a borehole to form a plug in the borehole with the plug, for example to seal

the borehole.

In order to ensure a better understanding of the present invention, the following examples are given of some of the preferred embodiments. Such examples shall in no way be construed to limit or define the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

The following series of tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of the slag compositions. Five different slag compositions, designated samples 1-5, were prepared using the indicated amounts of water, slag, lime, a latex strength enhancer, a latex stabilizer and a cement dispersant. The amounts of these constituents are indicated in the table below by weight percent cement ("bwoc"), which indicates the constituent's weight percent slag, and gallons per sack ("gal/sk"), which indicates gallons of the respective constituent per 94-pound bag of slag. The slag compositions had a density of 14.5 lb/gal. The latex strength enhancer used was either Latex™ 2000 cement additive or Latex™ 3000 cement additive, as indicated in Table 1 below. Sample 1 was a comparative composition which did not include the latex strength enhancer. The latex stabilizer was Stabilizer 434D™

-surfactant, from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., Duncan, Oklahoma. The dispersant used was CFR-3L™ cement friction reducer, from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., Duncan, Oklahoma. The slag compositions were subjected to 24-hour compressive strength tests at 140°F in accordance with API Specification 10.

Based on the results of these tests, the inclusion of a latex strength enhancer in the slag compositions had a significant effect on compressive strength development. For example, increases in compressive strength of at least about 50% were achieved

(Sample 2) and up to about 95% (Sample 3) by including 2 gal/sp of the latex strength enhancer in the slag compositions.

EXAMPLE 2

!The following series of tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of including a latex strength enhancer on the thickening times of the slag compositions. Three different ones

slag compositions, designated Samples 6-8, were prepared using the indicated amounts of water, slag, lime, a latex strength enhancer, and a cement retarder. The amounts of these components are indicated in the table below with % bwoc, which indicates the component's weight percent of slag, and gal/sk, which indicates gallons of the respective component per 94-pound bag of slag. The slag compositions had a density of 14.5 lb/gal. The latex strength enhancer used was Latex™ 3000 cement additive. The cement hardening retarder used was HR<®->5 retarder from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., Duncan, Oklahoma. The slag compositions were tested to determine their thickening times at 140°F, which is the time required for the compositions to attain a single consistency of 70 Bearden units.

The present invention is therefore well suited to achieve the aforementioned objects and advantages, as well as those inherent herein. The particular embodiments described above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent ways which will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of what is described herein. Although individual embodiments are presented, the invention covers all combinations of all these embodiments. Furthermore, no limitations are intended on the details of construction or execution other than those described in the claims below. It is therefore clear that the particular illustrative embodiments described above may be changed or modified, and all such variations are considered to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Although compositions and methods are described with terms such as "comprising," "comprising," or "including" various ingredients or steps, the compositions and methods may also "consist primarily of" or "consist of" the various ingredients and steps. When a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is described, any number and any included range that falls within the range is specifically described. In particular, each value range (with the form "approximately a to approximately b", or equivalently, "from approximately a to b", or equivalently, "from approximately a-b") described herein, shall be understood to indicate each number and range included in the further value range . The designations in the claims have their usual, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patent holder.

Claims (25)

1. A method of cementing comprising: providing a slag composition comprising: a hydraulic cement consisting mainly of slag; a hydroxyl source; an agent that increases latex strength; and water; feeding the slag composition into an underground formation; and allowing the slag composition to harden. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the slag composition has a density of about 12 pounds per gallon to about 20 pounds per gallon. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the hydroxyl source comprises a base material selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, lime and any combination thereof. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hydroxyl source is present in an amount of approximately 0.1 to approximately 25% by weight of cementitious components in the slag composition. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the latex strength increasing agent comprises a rubber material selected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, nitrile-butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, neoprene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, AMPS styrene -butadiene rubber and any combination thereof. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the latex strength increasing agent comprises styrene-butadiene rubber. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the latex strength increasing agent comprises AMPS styrene-butadiene rubber. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the agent which increases the latex strength is present in an amount of about 1 to about 45% by weight of cementitious constituents in the slag mixture. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the slag composition further comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of a dispersant, an antifoam agent, a strength retrogradation additive, a hardening accelerator, a hardening retarder, a weighting agent, a lightweight additive, a gas generating additive, an additive that improves mechanical properties, a circulation loss material , a filtration control additive, a fluid loss control additive, a foam additive, a thixotropic additive and any combination thereof. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the slag composition further comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of crystalline silica, amorphous silica, fumed silica, a salt, a fiber, a hydratable clay, calcined shale, vitrified shale, a microsphere, diatomaceous earth, metakaolin, ground perlite , rice husk ash, zeolite, a resin and any combination thereof. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the slag composition further comprises an antifoam agent and a dispersant, wherein the hydroxyl source is present in an amount of about 1 to about 10% by weight of cementitious materials in the slag composition and comprises lime, wherein the latex strength increasing agent is present in an amount of about 5 to about 20 weight percent cementitious materials in the slag composition and comprising AMPS styrene-butadiene rubber, and wherein the slag composition has a density of about 14 pounds per gallon to about 17 pounds per gallon. 12. The method according to claim 1, in which the introduction of the slag composition into an underground formation comprises introducing the slag composition into a space between a conduit and a borehole wall. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the latex strength increasing agent increases the 24 hour compressive strength of the slag composition at 140°F by an amount of at least 25%. 14. Process for cementation comprising: preparing a base fluid comprising an agent that increases latex strength, et antifoam and a dispersant; preparing a dry mixture comprising slag and a hydroxyl source; combining the base fluid and the dry mixture to form a slag composition; feeding the slag composition into an underground formation; and allowing the slag composition to harden. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the hydroxyl source comprises a base material selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, lime and any combination thereof. 16. The method according to claim 14, in which the hydroxyl source is present in the slag composition in an amount of approximately 0.1 to approximately 25% by weight of cementitious components in the slag composition. 17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the agent which increases the latex strength comprises a rubber material selected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, nitrile-butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, neoprene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, AMPS-styrene-butadiene rubber, and any combination thereof. 18. The method according to claim 14, wherein the agent which increases the latex strength is present in the slag composition in an amount of approximately 0.1 to approximately 25% by weight of cementitious components in the slag composition. 19. The method according to claim 14, in which the slag is present in the slag composition in an amount of at least approximately 40% by weight of cementitious components in the slag composition. 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the slag composition further comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of a strength retrogradation additive, a hardening accelerator, a hardening retarder, a weighting agent, a lightweight additive, a gas generating additive, an additive that improves mechanical properties, a circulation loss material, a filtration control additive, a fluid loss control additive, a foam additive, a thixotropic additive and any combination thereof. 21. The method of claim 14, wherein the slag composition further comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of crystalline silica, amorphous silica, fumed silica, a salt, a fiber, a hydratable clay, calcined shale, vitrified shale, a microsphere, fly ash, diatomaceous earth, metakaolin, ground perlite, rice husk ash, natural pozzolan, zeolite, cement kiln dust, a resin and any combination thereof. 22. The method of claim 14, wherein the hydroxyl source is present in the slag composition in an amount of about 1 to about 10% by weight of cementitious materials in the slag composition and comprises lime, wherein the latex strength increasing agent is present in the slag composition in an amount of about 5 to approximately 20 wt. % cementitious materials in the slag composition and comprising AMPS styrene-butadiene rubber, wherein the slag is present in the slag composition in an amount of at least about 40% by weight of cementitious constituents in the slag composition, and wherein the slag composition has a density of about 14 pounds per gallon to about 17 pounds per gallon. 23. The method according to claim 14, in which the dry mixture further comprises a hydraulic cement. 24. The method according to claim 14, wherein introducing the slag composition into an underground formation comprises introducing the slag composition into a space between a pipe and a borehole wall. 25. A slag composition comprising: a hydraulic cement consisting mainly of slag; a hydroxyl source; an agent that increases latex strength; and water.